Liberal leadership candidates to stage two debates in Montreal ahead of March convention
Posted Feb 8, 2025 12:53:06 PM.
Last Updated Feb 8, 2025 01:55:00 PM.
The Liberal Party plans to hold two debates ahead of their leadership convention next month.
A French and an English debate will be held on Feb. 24 and 25 in Montreal, a little under two weeks before party members are set to choose a new leader.
Details on the structure of the debates have not been announced.
Former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland had called for up to four debates ahead of the March 9 vote.
The five candidates left in the leadership race are expected to take part in the debates, provided they meet the next fundraising deadline.
The campaigns for Freeland, former central bank governor Mark Carney, former Liberal House leader Karina Gould, and former MPs Ruby Dhalla and Frank Baylis said they have each paid the $125,000 that was due Friday — part of an instalment plan towards the total entry fee of $350,000.
The candidates will have to come up with a final payment of $125,000 by Feb. 17.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Jan. 6 that he would step down as soon as a new leader was elected, and prorogued Parliament until March 24.
The party reported a week ago that nearly 400,000 supporters had registered as members to vote in the leadership race.
Files from The Canadian Press were used in this report
